Samantha Giles doesn’t think ‘Emmerdale’ has been "the same" since Paula Tilbrook left the soap.
The 49-year-old star is among the actors who have paid tribute to the show’s legendary actress, who passed away aged 89, and Sam has recalled a number of the star’s "great sayings".
Sam – who played Bernice Blackstock – wrote on Twitter: "Emmerdale was never the same once she left- a true legend with a plethora of great sayings: ‘s***** s***** bang bang’ come on chuckles’ ‘let’s get this turkey in the oven’ …… (sic)"
Adele Silva (Kelly Windsor) recalled Paula – who starred as sherry-swigging gossip Betty Eagleton for 21 years – being the "utmost professional" on the show’s set, and Dominic Brunt (Paddy Kirk) praised her as a "strict" and "professional" actress.
She said: "Such sad news! Paula was a huge character on and off set and the upmost professional! Thoughts are with her friends & family (sic)"
Dominic added: "A sports car roared up to the front of ITV Studios on my first day. Music pumping, the doors opened and out came Paula Tilbrook in a headscarf. The matriarch of Emmerdale. Strict, professional and very very funny. (sic)"
Mark Charnock admitted he will miss the late star – whose character was also known for her relationship with Seth Armstrong (Stan Richards) – and said she was always "truly hilarious company".
He tweeted: "1st saw the wonder that was #PaulaTilbrook on stage at Oldham Coliseum and never before or since have I seen any actor hold an audience so completely in the palm of her hand. An amazing actress, truly hilarious company & a wonderful colleague and friend. I’ll miss her always.X (sic)"
Bhasker Patel (Rishi Sharma) has admitted he felt "such gravitas" in the short time he spent in Paula’s company on the set.
He wrote: "Only filmed briefly with #PaulaTilbrook in storylines in @emmerdale but always felt such Gravitas, Total Respect and Professionalism in her work & presence. Thank you (sic)"
Gemma Oaten (Rachel Breckle) wrote: "Ah lord. Literally just heard the news that Paula Tilbrook has left us. I’m gutted. She was one of a kind. Her and Shirley and richard and kitty and Freddie. All together now. They made @emmerdale and they made my time there even more precious. Love to her family (sic)"
Natalie Anderson (Alicia Metcalfe) shared: "Such an unbelievably lovely, kind and wonderful lady to work with. I learnt so much watching her both on and off set. Thoughts are with her family and friends (sic)"
Following the news of Paula’s passing, a statement from the soap read: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of our much-loved colleague, Paula Tilbrook.
"Paula was at the heart of ‘Emmerdale’ for many years and she will be greatly missed by all who worked with her and by the fans of her character, Betty.
"We have lost a great talent and a wonderful friend, but she will forever live in the memories of those lucky enough to have known her."
Paula – who also appeared in ‘Coronation Street’ in numerous short stints – retired after she departed the Dales in 2015.